FARMERS could lose vital working hours unless they are made aware of road closures in rural areas, a councillor has claimed.

Two road closures are planned for Lambley near Haltwhistle later this month; one for tree felling to take place; and another for maintenance work at Greenrigs Bridge.

But while Northumberland County Council advertised the temporary closures in the Northumberland Gazette, the authority chose not to promote them in the Courant.

Coanwood parish councillor Ellen Walton said: “The Hexham Courant is the local newspaper for this area and that’s where we expect to find statutory notices.

“Farmers rely on these rural roads for their daily work. They have to feed their animals and they already have wintry weather conditions to content with.

“Diversions can often be of several miles, so they need to be made aware of proposed road closures so they can plan in advance.”

Coun. Walton said parish councils receive statutory notices via email, but added: “The parish council receives notification, but that’s not enough. These notices need to be published in the local newspaper.”

A stretch of the C327 road from Craig’s Bank to Blenkinsopp will be closed on March 17, from 9am to 4pm, for tree felling to take place.

In addition, the C327 road will be closed from Lambley Junction to Craig’s Bank, from March 20 to March 24, between 7.30am to 5pm, for works at Greenrigs Bridge.